Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals

Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Revises Rule 1.7

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has revised Rule 1.7 to update the correct and current address for the Clerk of the Court. This amendment, effective March 9, 2026, ensures communications are directed to the appropriate physical and mailing addresses.

Steel v. State - Criminal Appeals Opinion

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed a judgment and sentence for John Anthony Steel, who was convicted of a lewd or indecent proposal to a child under 16. The court found sufficient evidence to support the conviction, upholding the maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment.

Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Rule Revision

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has revised Rule 1.7 to update the correct and current mailing address for the Clerk of the Court. These amendments are effective immediately upon the date of the order.

Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Adopts 2026 Jury Instructions

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has adopted the 2026 revisions to the Oklahoma Uniform Jury Instructions-Criminal (Second Edition). These updated instructions, submitted by the Committee for Preparation of Uniform Criminal Jury Instructions, are effective immediately and will be provided to District Courts for implementation.

Terry v. Gentner Drummond & Vicki Behenna - Certified Questions of Law

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals issued an opinion answering certified questions of law from the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Terry v. Gentner Drummond & Vicki Behenna. The court addressed questions regarding the mens rea required for threats prosecutions and the scope of statutes prohibiting threats and riots.

Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Adds Rule for Generative AI

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has adopted a new rule governing the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in drafting documents for court filings. The rule requires parties or counsel to verify the accuracy of any AI-generated content before filing.

Jacobs v. State - First-Degree Manslaughter Conviction Upheld

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals upheld the first-degree manslaughter conviction of James Wesley Jacobs, Jr. The court found no abuse of discretion in the jury instructions and affirmed the sentence of forty years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.

Battee v. State - Conjoint Robbery Conviction Appeal

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed a conjoint robbery conviction for Trymel Keith Battee. The appeal raised issues regarding the trial judge's potential conflict of interest due to seeking employment with the OSBI and the reliability of an in-court identification.

Pena v. State - Appeal from Drug Activity Conviction

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed a drug activity conviction for Jesus Efren Pena. Pena was sentenced to eight years imprisonment and a $50,000 fine for acquiring proceeds from drug activity. The court found sufficient evidence to support the conviction.

Acosta v. State - Post-Conviction Relief Denial Affirmed

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the denial of post-conviction relief for Victor Don Acosta. The court found that Acosta's claims of ineffective assistance of counsel were barred by res judicata and waiver, and that his application was untimely filed.